Voltage regulator

ABSTRACT

A voltage regulator can include: an input port with two terminals, and being configured to receive an input voltage; an output port with two terminals, and being configured to generate an output voltage, where the input port and the output port have a common ground potential; a group of input switches coupled in series between the two terminals of the input port, where a common node of every two adjacent input switches that form an input half-bridge topology is taken as an input switch node; at least one output half-bridge topology coupled between two terminals of the output port, where a common node of a high-side output switch and a low-side output switch in each output half-bridge topology is taken as an output switch node; and N storage capacitors, where each of the storage capacitors is coupled between one input switch node and one output switch node.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/720,259, filed on Dec. 19, 2019, and which is hereby incorporated by reference as if it is set forth in full in this specification, and which also claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201910008805.3, filed on Jan. 4, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of power electronics, and more particularly to voltage regulators.

BACKGROUND

A switched-mode power supply (SMPS), or a “switching” power supply, can include a power stage circuit and a control circuit. When there is an input voltage, the control circuit can consider internal parameters and external load changes, and may regulate the on/off times of the switch system in the power stage circuit. Switching power supplies have a wide variety of applications in modern electronics. For example, switching power supplies can be used to drive light-emitting diode (LED) loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an example switched capacitor voltage regulator.

FIG. 1B is a waveform diagram of control signals for the switched capacitor voltage regulator.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a first example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a second example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a waveform diagram of control signals for the second example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the second example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is an equivalent circuit diagram of the second example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a third example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a waveform diagram of control signals for the third example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the third example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is an equivalent circuit diagram of the third example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a fourth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a fifth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a circuit diagram of a sixth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a waveform diagram of control signals for the sixth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the sixth example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is an equivalent circuit diagram of the sixth example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram of a seventh example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a waveform diagram of control signals for the seventh example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is an equivalent circuit diagram of the seventh example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8D is an equivalent circuit diagram of the seventh example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of an eighth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a ninth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference may now be made in detail to particular embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention may be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it may be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, processes, components, structures, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

A switched capacitor voltage regulator controls the capacitors to charge and discharge through switches, thus realizing voltage conversion. Referring now to FIG. 1A, shown is a circuit diagram of an example switched capacitor voltage regulator. In this example, input voltage V_(in) is applied to an input port of the switched capacitor voltage regulator. Switch Q1 is coupled between terminal a of capacitor C and terminal i of the input port, and may be turned on or off under the control of control signal G1. Switch Q2 is coupled between terminal a of capacitor C and first terminal o of the output port, and can be turned on or off under the control of control signal G2.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, shown is a waveform diagram of control signals for the switched capacitor voltage regulator. Here, control signals G1 and G2 are complementary; that is, when control signal G1 is at a high level, control signal G2 is at a low level. In addition, terminal b of capacitor C is coupled with a second terminal of the input port and a second terminal of the output port, which are usually used as a reference terminal (or referred to as a ground terminal). Output capacitor Co can also be arranged between the two terminals of the output port to smooth output voltage V_(out). Therefore, switches Q1 and Q2 can alternately be turned on and off, such that capacitor C intermittently discharges to the output port, thereby realizing power transmission and voltage/current conversion.

However, if switch Q1 and/or switch Q2 are/is damaged, such as by a short circuit, input voltage V_(in) and output voltage V_(out) are shorted, and input voltage V_(in) can directly supply power to a load at the output port. At this time, providing that the load is a battery, if input voltage V_(in) is relatively high and is directly supplied to the rechargeable battery, battery damage or even battery explosion may occur, which can be very dangerous for electronic systems and devices. Thus, necessary protection measures need to be provided to avoid such situations.

In one embodiment, a voltage regulator can include: (i) an input port with two terminals, and being configured to receive an input voltage; (ii) an output port with two terminals, and being configured to generate an output voltage, where the input port and the output port have a common ground potential; (iii) a group of input switches coupled in series between the two terminals of the input port, where a common node of every two adjacent input switches that form an input half-bridge topology is taken as an input switch node; (iv) at least one output half-bridge topology coupled between two terminals of the output port, where a common node of a high-side output switch and a low-side output switch in each output half-bridge topology is taken as an output switch node; (v) N storage capacitors, where each of the storage capacitors is coupled between one input switch node and one output switch node, such that each path from the input port to the output port comprises at least one storage capacitor; and (vi) where switching states of the input switches and the output switches are controlled to be switched to control charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, such that a ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is N, where N is a natural number not less than 1.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a circuit diagram of a first example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, voltage regulator 200 can include an input port with two terminals a and b for receiving input voltage V_(in). Here, terminal a is a positive terminal and terminal b is a negative terminal. Voltage regulator 200 can include an output port with two terminals c and d for generating output voltage V_(out). Here, terminal c is a positive terminal and terminal d is a negative terminal. The input port and the output port may have the same ground terminal. For example, terminal b and terminal d can be coupled to the same ground terminal.

Voltage regulator 200 can include a group of input switches Q1-Qm coupled in series between terminals a and b of the input port, and the common nodes of every two adjacent input switches may be taken as input switches nodes IN1-INn, respectively. Further, voltage regulator 200 can include at least one output half-bridge topology between terminals c and d of the output port, and each output half-bridge topology can include two output switches (e.g., a high-side output switch and a low-side output switch) coupled in series. The common nodes of every two output switches may be taken as output switch nodes OUT1-OUTn, respectively.

Also, voltage regulator 200 can include N storage capacitors, and a first terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to a corresponding input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to an output switch node. For example, a plurality of second terminals of different storage capacitors can be coupled to the same output switch node, but each output switch node can be coupled to at least one storage capacitor, such that each path from the input port and the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. Further, the switching states of the input switches and the output switches can be controlled to be switched to control charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, such that a ratio of the input voltage and the output voltage is N, where N is a natural number not less than 1.

In some embodiments, voltage regulator 200 may also include output capacitor C_(out) coupled to terminals c and d of the output port to filter output voltage V_(out). Also, voltage regulator 200 can include an input capacitor coupled to terminals a and b of the input port to filter input voltage V_(in). For example, the number of input switches coupled in series between the input port may be provided corresponding to the step-down ratio of voltage regulator 200 and the at least one half-bridge topology coupled to the output port is arranged. Also, the number of storage capacitors coupled between the input switch nodes and the output switch nodes may be provided corresponding to the step-down ratio of voltage regulator 200. The switching states of the input and output switches can be switched to correspondingly change the charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, in order to obtain an output voltage with a certain step-down ratio. Therefore, a higher step-down ratio can be achieved with smaller volume, the circuit topology is simple, and the power density is high.

On the other hand, the input port and the output port may have a common ground potential (e.g., the ground terminals of the input side circuit and the output side circuit are the same), and no isolation between the input side and the output side may be required, thereby further simplifying the circuit topology of the voltage regulator. In addition, the storage capacitors can be coupled between the input side circuit and the output side circuit of the voltage regulator, such that there is no direct loop between the input port and the output port. This can ensure that when the input switches and/or the output switches are damaged (e.g., via short circuit), the storage capacitors remain between the input port and the output port, thus preventing the direct connection between the load at the output port and the input voltage, protecting the load, and obtaining good reliability.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, shown is a circuit diagram of a second example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, N is equal to 2; that is, the step-down ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is 2. Voltage regulator 300 can include an input port with two terminals a and b for receiving input voltage V_(in). Here, terminal a is a positive terminal and terminal b is a negative terminal. Voltage regulator 300 can include an output port with two terminals c and d for generating output voltage V_(out), and being coupled to a load. Here, terminal c is a positive terminal and terminal d is a negative terminal. The input port and the output port may have the same ground terminal. In the embodiments, terminal b and terminal d can be coupled to the same ground terminal.

Voltage regulator 300 can also include a group of input switches coupled in series between terminals a and b of the input port. In this particular example, there are 4 input switches, such as input switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. The common nodes of every two adjacent input switches are taken as input switches nodes, respectively. For example, the common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 is IN1, and the common node of input switches Q3 and Q4 is IN2. Input switches Q1 and Q2 may form an input half-bridge topology, and input switches Q3 and Q4 form another input half-bridge topology. Further, voltage regulator 300 can include an output half-bridge topology between terminals c and d of the output port. The output half-bridge topology can include two output switches Q5 and Q6 coupled in series, and the common node of output switches Q5 and Q6 is taken as output switch node OUT1.

Also, voltage regulator 300 can include two storage capacitors, where a first terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to one output switch node. For example, storage capacitor C1 is coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2 can be coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT1, such that each path from the input port to the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. The switching states of input switches Q1-Q4 and output switches Q5-Q6 can be controlled to be switched, in order to control the charging and discharging states of storage capacitors C1 and C2, such that a ratio of the input voltage and the output voltage is 2.

Voltage regulator 300 can also include two input capacitors CN1 and CN2, each of which is coupled between two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology. Here, input capacitor Cm is coupled between two terminals of the input half-bridge topology formed by input switches Q1 and Q2, and input capacitor C_(N2) is coupled between two terminals of the input half-bridge topology formed by input switches Q3 and Q4. In addition, voltage regulator 300 may further include output capacitor C_(out) coupled between terminals c and d of the output port to filter output voltage V_(out).

Referring now to FIG. 3B, shown is a waveform diagram of control signals for the second example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this control mode, the switching states of the high-side input switches of each input half-bridge topology and the high-side output switch of the output half-bridge topology may be identical. In this example, the switching states of high-side input switches Q1 and Q3 can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of high-side output switch Q5 can be controlled by control signal GH′, which is the same as control signal GH. The low-side input switches of each input half-bridge topology and the low-side output switch of the output half-bridge topology may have the same switching state. In this example, the switching states of low-side input switches Q2 and Q4 can be controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of low-side output switch Q6 can be controlled by control signal GL′, which is the same as control signal GL.

In some embodiments, control signals GH and GL are complementary, and similarly, control signals GH′ and GL′ are complementary within one switching period. Also, phase shift control with 180° can be applied in other embodiments; that is, the phase difference between control signals GH and GL can be controlled to be 180°. For example, the duty cycle of control signal GH may be 50%, 40%, or other suitable values. In one switching period, the operation process of voltage regulator 300 can include two operation states.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the second example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, control signals GH and GL are complementary with the duty cycle of 50%. In the first operation state, high-side input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned on and high-side output switch Q5 is turned on. Accordingly, low-side input switches Q2 and Q4 are turned off, and low-side output switch Q6 is turned off. Input voltage V_(in) and input capacitor C_(N2) may provide energy to charge storage capacitors C1 and C2 and input capacitor C_(N1), and also provide energy to the load. Input voltage V_(in) may provide energy to charge storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 and charge input capacitor C_(N1) at the same time. Input capacitor C_(N2) may provide energy to charge storage capacitor C2 through input switch Q3.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input switch Q1—storage capacitor C1—output switch Q5—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. The second current path is: input capacitor C_(N2)—input switch Q3—storage capacitor C2—output switch Q5—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. The third current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input capacitor C_(N1)—input switch Q3—storage capacitor C2—output switch Q—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port.

For example, providing that the current flowing through the output port is 2, the output current flowing through positive terminal a of the input port is 3/2, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 is 1, and the charge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N1) is 1/2. The current flowing into negative terminal b of the input port is 3/2, the discharge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N2) is 1/2, and the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 is 1. Therefore, in the first operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(CN1) +V _(CN2) =V _(in)  (1)

In this example, V_(CN1) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N1), and V_(CN2) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N2). Also, it can be obtained that: V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(CN1)  (2)

In this example, V_(C1) is the voltage across storage capacitor C1, and V_(C2) is the voltage across storage capacitor C2. Further, it can be obtained that: V _(CN2) −V _(C2) =V _(out)  (3)

Referring now to FIG. 3D, shown is a an equivalent circuit diagram of the second example voltage regulator in the second operation state in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the second operation state, high-side input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned off, and high-side output switch Q5 is turned off. Accordingly, low-side input switches Q2 and Q4 are turned on, and low-side output switch Q6 is turned on. Storage capacitors C1 and C2, and input capacitor C_(N1) discharge energy to input capacitor C_(N2) and input port. Since the two terminals of storage capacitor C2 are coupled to the ground terminal in the equivalent circuit, the voltage across storage capacitor C2 is zero. In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: storage capacitor C1—input switch Q2—input capacitor C_(N2)— negative terminal b of the input port. The second current path is: input capacitor C_(N1)—positive terminal a of the input port.

For example, providing that the current flowing through the output port is 2, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 is 1, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 is 1, the charge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N2) is 1/2, the discharge current flowing from input capacitor C_(N1) to positive terminal a of the input port is ½, and the output current flowing through negative terminal b of the input port is ½. Therefore, in the second operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(CN1) +V _(CN2) =V _(in)  (4) V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(CN2)  (5) V _(C2)=0  (6)

When the voltage regulator is switched between the first and second operation states at a higher frequency, the voltages across the capacitors do not suddenly change between different states, such that each parameter in the first operation state is basically equal to the corresponding parameter in the second operation state. Therefore, combining the above formulas (1)-(6), it can be derived that: V _(CN1) =V _(CN2) =V _(in)/2  (7) V _(out) =V _(in)/2  (8)

Therefore, output voltage V_(out) may be stepped down by the voltage regulator according to the embodiments, and the value of output voltage V_(out) can be ½ of input voltage y_(in).

Referring now to FIG. 4A, shown is a circuit diagram of a third example voltage regulator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, the step-down ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is 3, that is, N=3. Voltage regulator 400 can include an input port with two terminals a and b for receiving input voltage V_(in). Here, terminal a is a positive terminal and terminal b is a negative terminal. Voltage regulator 400 can include an output port with two terminals c and d for generating output voltage V_(out), and being coupled to a load. Here, terminal c is a positive terminal and terminal d is a negative terminal. The input port and the output port may have the same ground terminal. In the embodiments, terminal b and terminal d can be coupled to the same ground terminal.

Voltage regulator 400 can also include three input half-bridge topology coupled in series between terminals a and b of the input port. Each input half-bridge topology can include a high-side input switch and a low-side input switch coupled in series, and the common node of the two input switches is taken as an input switch node. For example, the common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 is IN1, the common node of input switches Q3 and Q4 is IN2, and the common node of input switches Q5 and Q6 is IN3. Also, voltage regulator 400 can include three input capacitors C_(IN1), C_(IN2), C_(IN3), and each input capacitor may be coupled between two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology.

Further, voltage regulator 400 can include at least one output half-bridge topology coupled in parallel between terminals c and d of the output port. Each output half-bridge topology can include two output switches coupled in series, and the common node of the two output switches is taken as an output switch node. In this example, the number of the output half-bridge topology is 3. The common node of output switches Q7 and Q8 is output switch node OUT1, the common node of output switches Q9 and Q10 is output switch node OUT2, and the common node of output switches Q11 and Q12 is output switch node OUT3. Moreover, the high-side output switches (Q7, Q9, Q11) of each output half-bridge topology are coupled to positive terminal c of the output port, and the low-side output switches (Q8, Q10, Q12) are coupled to negative terminal d of the output port.

Also, voltage regulator 400 can include three storage capacitors C1, C2 and C3, which are coupled between one input switch node and one output switch node correspondingly. First terminals of the storage capacitors can respectively be coupled to different input switch nodes, and the output switch nodes that second terminals of the storage capacitors are coupled to can be different or the same. However, each output switch node can be coupled to at least one storage capacitor, such that each path from the input port and the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. In this example, storage capacitors C1, C2 and C3 are coupled to different output switch nodes. Storage capacitor C1 is coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, storage capacitor C2 is coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT2, and storage capacitor C3 is coupled between input switch node IN3 and output switch node OUT3. Moreover, the switching states of input switches Q1-Q6 and output switches Q7-Q12 are controlled to be switched, in order to control the charging and discharging states of storage capacitors C1, C2, and C3, such that the ratio of input voltage V_(in) to output voltage V_(out) is 3. In some embodiments, voltage regulator 400 may further include output capacitors C_(out) coupled between terminals c and d of the output port.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, shown is a waveform diagram of control signals for the third example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this example control mode, the switching states of the high-side input switches of each input half-bridge topology and the high-side output switches of the output half-bridge topologies may be identical. The switching states of the high-side input switches can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of the high-side output switches can be controlled by control signal GH′. The low-side input switches of each input half-bridge topology and the low-side output switches of the output half-bridge topologies have the same switching state. In this example, the switching states of the low-side input switches may be controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of the low-side output switches can be controlled by control signal GL′.

In some embodiments, control signals GH and GL may be controlled to be complementary, and similarly, control signals GH′ and GL′ are complementary within one switching period. Also, phase shift control with 180° can be applied in other embodiments; that is, the phase difference between control signals GH and GL is controlled to be 180°. The duty cycle of control signal GH may be 50%, 40%, or other suitable values. In one switching period, the operation process of voltage regulator 400 can include two operation states.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the third example voltage regulator in the first operation state in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, control signals GH and GL are complementary with the duty cycle of 50%. In the first operation state, high-side input switches Q1, Q3, and Q5 are turned on and high-side output switches Q7, Q9, and Q11 are turned on. Accordingly, low-side input switches Q2, Q4, and Q6 are turned off, and low-side output switches Q8, Q10, and Q12 are turned off. Input voltage V_(in) and input capacitor C_(N3) may provide energy to charge storage capacitors C1, C2, C3, and input capacitor C_(N1), and also may provide energy to the load. Input voltage V_(in) may provide energy to charge storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 and charge input capacitor Cm and storage capacitor C2 through input switch Q3 at the same time. Input capacitor C_(N3) may provide energy to charge storage capacitor C3 through input switch Q5.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input switch Q1—storage capacitor C1—output switch Q7—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. The second current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input capacitor C_(N1)—input switch Q3—storage capacitor C2—output switch Q9—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. The third current path is: input capacitor C_(N3)— input switch Q5—storage capacitor C3—output switch Q11—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port.

For example, providing that the current flowing through the output port is 2, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 is ⅔, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 through input switch Q3 is ⅔, and the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C3 through input switch Q5 is ⅔. Then, the charge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N1) is ⅔, the current flowing into positive terminal a of the input port is 4/3, the discharge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N3) is 2/3, and the current flowing into negative terminal b of the input port is 4/3. Therefore, in the first operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(CN1) +V _(CN2) +V _(CN3) =V _(in)  (9)

Here, V_(CN1) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N1), V_(CN2) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N2), and V_(CN3) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N3). Also, it can be obtained that: V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(CN1)  (10) V _(C2) −V _(C3) =V _(CN2)  (11) V _(CN3) −V _(C3) =V _(out)  (12)

Here, V_(C1) is the voltage across storage capacitor C1, V_(C2) is the voltage across storage capacitor C2, and V_(C3) is the voltage across storage capacitor C3.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the third example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the second operation state, high-side input switches Q1, Q3, and Q5 are turned off, and high-side output switches Q7, Q9, and Q11 are turned off. Accordingly, low-side input switches Q2, Q4, and Q6 may be turned on, and low-side output switches Q8, Q10, and Q12 are turned on. Storage capacitors C1 to C3 and input capacitor Cm can discharge energy to input capacitor C_(N3) and input port. Since the two terminals of storage capacitor C3 are coupled to the ground terminal, the voltage across storage capacitor C3 is zero.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: storage capacitor C2—input switch Q4—input capacitor C_(N3)— negative terminal b of the input port. The second current path is: storage capacitor C1—input switch Q2—input capacitor Cm—positive terminal a of the input port. For example, providing that the current flowing through the output port is 2, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 is 2/3, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 is 2/3, and the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C3 is 2/3. Then the charge current flowing through input capacitor C_(N3) is 2/3, the discharge current flowing from input capacitor Cm to positive terminal a of the input port is 2/3, and the output current flowing through negative terminal b of the input port is 2/3. Therefore, in the second operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(CN1) −V _(CN2) +V _(CN3) =V _(in)  (13) V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(CN2)  (14) V _(C2) −V _(C3) =V _(CN3)  (15) V _(C3)=0  (16)

When the voltage regulator is switched between the first and second operation states at a higher frequency, the voltages across the capacitors may not suddenly change between different states, such that each parameter in the first operation state is basically equal to the corresponding parameter in the second operation state. Therefore, combining the above formulas (10)-(16), it can be derived that: V _(CN1) =V _(CN2) ==V _(CN3) =V _(in)/3  (17) V _(out) =V _(in)/3  (18)

Therefore, output voltage V_(out) can be stepped down by the voltage regulator according to the embodiments, and the value of output voltage V_(out) is 1/3 of input voltage V_(in). It can be understood that in the embodiments, although the number of the output half-bridge topologies is the same as the step-down ratio or the number of storage capacitors, it can also be set to be different. For example, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is set to M, where M is not greater than N, and each output switch node is coupled to at least one storage capacitor. In the above embodiments, N is 2 and 3 respectively. For the embodiments where N is greater than 3, the circuit topology and operation process can be derived.

When the number of input switches is 2N, N input half-bridge topologies and N input switch nodes are sequentially formed. The first terminals of the N input capacitors are respectively coupled to the first to the Nth input switch nodes. Also, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is set to M, where M is not less than 1 and is not more than N, to form M output switch nodes. Each output switch node is coupled to at least one storage capacitor. The connection ways of all output half-bridge topologies to the output port are the same. The high-side output switches of each output half-bridge topology are coupled to the positive terminal of the output port, and the low-side output switches are coupled to the negative terminal of the output port.

The above examples describe that the voltage regulator only includes one group of input switches. It should be understood that there can be a plurality of groups of input switches connected between terminals a and b. Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a circuit diagram of a fourth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, two groups of input switches are connected in parallel between terminals a and b, each of which has four input switches.

As shown in FIG. 5, voltage regulator 500 can include first and second group of input switches. The first group of input switches can include input switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. The common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 is IN1, and the common node of input switches Q3 and Q4 is IN2. The second group of input switches can include input switches Q1′, Q2′, Q3′, and Q4′. The common node of input switches Q1′ and Q2′ is IN1′, and the common node of input switches Q3′ and Q4′ is IN2′. Voltage regulator 500 can include one output half-bridge topology, which is substantially the same as the second example in FIG. 3A. In this particular example, high-side input switches in each group can include the first input switch connected to the positive terminal of the input voltage and the input switches having the same control signal with the first input switch, and low-side input switches in each group can include the input switches having a different control signal with the first input switch.

In this example, the switching states of the input switches in each group of input switches may correspondingly be the same. The switching states of input switches Q1 and Q3 can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of input switches Q2 and Q4 can be controlled by control signal GL. Thus, the switching states of input switches Q1′ and Q3′ can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of input switches Q2′ and Q4′ can be controlled by control signal GL.

Also, voltage regulator 500 can include four storage capacitors, where a first terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to one output switch node. For example, storage capacitor C1 can be coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2 can be coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT1. Also, storage capacitor C1′ can be coupled between input switch node IN1′ and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2′ can be coupled between input switch node IN2′ and output switch node OUT1, such that each path from the input port to the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. Voltage regulator 500 can also include four input capacitors C_(N1), C_(N2), C_(N1)′ and C_(N2)′, each of which can be coupled between two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology. Each group of input switches is independent in each operation state, and the operation states are substantially the same as the above-mentioned operation states. Of course, the number of the output half-bridge circuits can be 2, 3, or 4, and each output half-bridge circuit can include the high-side output switches coupled to a positive terminal of the output port, and the low-side output switches coupled to a negative terminal of the output port, such that each output switch node is coupled with at least one energy storage capacitor.

In order to reduce the input ripple, the plurality of groups of input switches can be interleaved in parallel, thereby reducing the input capacitance. Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is a circuit diagram of a fifth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, two groups of input switches can be connected in parallel between terminals a and b, each of which has four input switches.

In this example, voltage regulator 600 can include first and second groups of input switches. The first group of input switches can include input switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. The switching states of input switches Q1 and Q3 can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of input switches Q2 and Q4 can be controlled by control signal GL. The second group of input switches includes input switches Q1′, Q2′, Q3′, and Q4′, and the switching states of the input switches in the second group may correspondingly be the same as the switching states of the input switches in the first group. That is, the switching states of input switches Q1′ and Q3′ can be controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of input switches Q2′ and Q4′ can be controlled by control signal GH. That is, the control signals for the high-side input switches in the two groups may have a phase difference of 180°.

Also, voltage regulator 600 can include at least two output half-bridge circuits, and in this example, the number of the output half-bridge circuit is two. The first output half-bridge circuit can include two output switches Q5 and Q6 coupled in series, and the common node of output switches Q5 and Q6 may be taken as output switch node OUT1. The second output half-bridge circuit can include two output switches Q7 and Q8 coupled in series, and the common node of output switches Q7 and Q8 may be taken as output switch node OUT2. The switching states of output switches Q5 and Q8 can be controlled by control signal GH′, which may be substantially the same as control signal GH, and the switching states of output switches Q6 and Q7 can be controlled by control signal GL′, which is the same as control signal GL.

Also, voltage regulator 600 can include four storage capacitors, where a first terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to one output switch node. For example, storage capacitor C1 can be coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2 can be coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT1. Also, storage capacitor C1′ can be coupled between input switch node IN1′ and output switch node OUT2, and storage capacitor C2′ can be coupled between input switch node IN2′ and output switch node OUT2. That is, the switching states of the two input switches that are coupled to the first terminal of a corresponding storage capacitor may correspondingly be the same with the switching states of the two output switches in the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the same corresponding storage capacitor. Similarly, voltage regulator 600 can also include four input capacitors C_(N1), C_(N2), C_(N1)′ and C_(N2)′, each of which may be coupled between two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology. Each group of input switches can be independent in each operation state, and the operation states may be substantially the same as the above-mentioned operation states.

It should be understood that more groups of input switches can also be derived from the above. When there are K groups of input switches, and the number of the input switches in each group is configured as 2N, N input half-bridge topologies may be formed, and each common node of two input switches in each input half-bridge topology can be taken as the input switch node. Also, the voltage regulator further can include K×N input capacitors, each of which may be coupled to two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology, and the voltage regulator further can include K×N storage capacitors having first terminals respectively coupled to different input switch nodes, where K and N are positive integers not less than 2.

When the switching states of the input switches in each group are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies can be at least configured as one, and each of the output switch nodes may be coupled to at least one storage capacitor. When the switching states of the input switches in L groups are respectively different and the switching states of the input switches in (K-L) groups are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies can be at least configured as (L+1), where L is less than K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor. For example, the high-side input switches in the L groups of input switches may respectively be controlled to be turned on with a phase difference of 360°/(L+1).

When the switching states of the input switches in K groups are respectively different, the number of the output half-bridge topologies can be at least configured as K, and each of the output switch nodes may be coupled to at least one storage capacitor.

In the embodiments, the number of input switches in each group coupled in series between the input port is provided corresponding to the step-down ratio and at least one half-bridge topology coupled to the output port is arranged. The number of storage capacitors coupled between the input switch nodes and the output switch nodes is provided corresponding to the step-down ratio is provided. Also, the switching states of the input switches and the output switches are switched to correspondingly change the charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, in order to obtain an output voltage with a certain step-down ratio. Therefore, a higher step-down ratio can be achieved with smaller volume, the circuit topology is simple, and the power density is high.

On the other hand, the input port and the output port have a common ground potential (e.g., the ground terminals of the input side circuit and the output side circuit are the same), such that the isolation between the input side and the output side is not required, thus further simplifying the circuit topology of the voltage regulator. At the same time, the storage capacitors are coupled between the input side circuit and the output side circuit of the voltage regulator, such that there is no direct loop between the input port and the output port, thereby ensuring that when the input switches and/or the output switches are damaged, such as short circuit, the storage capacitors always exist between the input port and the output port, preventing the direct connection between the load at the output port and the input voltage, protecting the load, and obtaining good reliability.

It can be understood that in the description of the operation process described above, the switching states of the high-side input switch and the low-side input switch of each input half-bridge topology are controlled to be complementary. The states of control signals GH and GL are complementary. It can be understood that the switching states of the high-side input switch and the low-side input switch of the input half-bridge topology can also be non-complementary. For example, the duty ratio of control signal GH for the high-side input switch is 40%, and the duty ratio of control signal GL for the low-side input switch is also 40%, and the phase difference between the two is controlled to 180°. In some embodiments, when the duty ratio is less than 50%, the phase difference between control signals GH and GL can also be greater than 180°.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, shown is a circuit diagram of a sixth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, N is equal to 2; that is, the step-down ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is 2. Voltage regulator 700 can include an input port with two terminals a and b for receiving input voltage V_(in). Here, terminal a is a positive terminal and terminal b is a negative terminal. Voltage regulator 700 includes an output port with two terminals c and d for generating output voltage V_(out), and being coupled to a load. Here, terminal c is a positive terminal and terminal d is a negative terminal. The input port and the output port may have the same ground terminal. In the embodiments, terminal b and terminal d can be coupled to the same ground terminal.

Voltage regulator 700 can also include three input switches coupled in series between terminals a and b of the input port, which in turn form two input switch nodes. For example, the common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 is taken as input switch node IN1, and the common node of input switches Q2 and Q3 is taken as input switch node IN2. Input switches Q1 and Q2 form an input half-bridge topology, and input switches Q2 and Q3 form another input half-bridge topology.

Further, voltage regulator 700 can include two output half-bridge topologies coupled in parallel between terminals c and d of the output port, forming a full-bridge circuit. High-side output switch Q4 and low-side output switch Q5 can be coupled in series between terminals c and d of the output port, and the common node of output switches Q4 and Q5 taken as output switch node OUT1. High-side output switch Q6 and low-side output switch Q7 can be coupled in series between terminals c and d of the output port, and the common node of output switches Q6 and Q7 taken as output switch node OUT2. Positive terminal c of the output port is coupled to the high-side output switch of at least one output half-bridge topology.

Also, voltage regulator 700 can include two storage capacitors. Each storage capacitor may be coupled to one input switch node and one output switch node. A first terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to an output switch node. Also, each output switch node may be coupled to at least one storage capacitor, such that each path between the input port and the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. In this example, storage capacitor C1 is coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2 is coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT2.

In the embodiments, the switching states of input switches Q1-Q3 and output switches Q4-Q7 are controlled to be switched, in order to control the charging and discharging states of storage capacitors C1 and C2, such that a ratio of the input voltage and the output voltage is 2. In some embodiments, voltage regulator 700 may further include output capacitor C_(out) coupled between terminals c and d of the output port to filter output voltage V_(out). Similarly, voltage regulator 700 may further include input capacitor Cin coupled between terminals a and b of the input port to filter input voltage V_(in).

Referring now to FIG. 7B, shown is a waveform diagram of control signals for the sixth example voltage regulator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Under this control mode, among the three input switches, the switching states of the odd-numbered input switches Q1 and Q3 and the switching states of high-side output switches Q4 and Q7 of the output half-bridge topology are identical, and the switching states of the even-numbered input switch Q2 and the switching states of low-side output switches Q5 and Q6 of the output half-bridge topology are identical.

In this example, the switching states of input switches Q1 and Q3 are controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of high-side output switches Q4 and Q7 are controlled by control signal GH′. The switching states of input switch Q2 can be controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of low-side output switches Q5 and Q6 may be controlled by control signal GL′. In some embodiments, control signals GH and GL are complementary, and similarly, control signals GH′ and GL′ are complementary within one switching period. For example, the duty cycle of control signal GH may be 50%, 40%, or other suitable values. In one switching period, the operation process of voltage regulator 500 can include two operation states.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the sixth example voltage regulator in the first operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the first operation state, input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned on and high-side output switches Q4 and Q7 are turned on. Accordingly, input switch Q2 is turned off, and low-side output switches Q5 and Q6 are turned off. Input voltage V_(in) may provide energy to charge storage capacitor C1, and also may provide energy to the load at the same time. The two terminals of storage capacitor C2 are coupled to the ground terminal in this equivalent circuit through input switch Q3 and output switch Q7. That is, the voltage across storage capacitor C2 is zero.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input switch Q1—storage capacitor C1—output switch Q4—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. For example, providing that the current flowing from positive terminal c of the output port to negative terminal d of the output port is 1, the output current flowing through the positive terminal a of the input port is 1, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 is 1. Therefore, in the first operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(C2)=0  (19) Vin−V _(C1) =V _(out)  (20)

Here, V_(C1) is the voltage across storage capacitor C1, and V_(C2) is the voltage across storage capacitor C2.

Referring now to FIG. 7D, shown is shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the sixth example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the second operation state, input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned off, and high-side output switches Q4 and Q7 are turned off. Accordingly, input switch Q2 is turned on, and low-side output switches Q5 and Q6 are turned on. Storage capacitor C1 discharges energy to charge storage capacitor C2, and also may provide energy to the load.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: the positive terminal of storage capacitor C1—input switch Q2—storage capacitor C2—output switch Q6—positive terminal c of the output port—output switch Q5—the negative terminal of storage capacitor C1. For example, providing that the current flowing from positive terminal c to negative terminal d of the output port is 1, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 is 1, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 is 1. Therefore, in the second operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(out)  (21)

When the voltage regulator is switched between the first and second operation states at a higher frequency, the voltages across the capacitors do not suddenly change between different states, such that each parameter in the first operation state is basically equal to the corresponding parameter in the second operation state. Therefore, combining the above formulas (19)-(21), it can be derived that: V _(C2)=0  (22) V _(out) =V _(C1) =V _(in)/2  (23)

Therefore, output voltage V_(out) can be stepped down by the voltage regulator according to the embodiments, and the value of output voltage V_(out) is ½ of input voltage V_(in).

Referring now to FIG. 8A, shown is a circuit diagram of a seventh example voltage regulator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this particular example, the step-down ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is 3; that is, N=3. Voltage regulator 800 can include an input port with two terminals a and b for receiving input voltage V_(in). Here, terminal a is a positive terminal and terminal b is a negative terminal. Voltage regulator 800 can include an output port with two terminals c and d for generating output voltage V_(out), and being coupled to a load. Here, terminal c is a positive terminal and terminal d is a negative terminal. The input port and the output port may have the same ground terminal. In the embodiments, terminal b and terminal d may be coupled to the same ground terminal.

Voltage regulator 800 can also include four input switches Q1-Q4 coupled in series between terminals a and b of the input port. For example, the common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 is IN1, the common node of input switches Q2 and Q3 is IN2, and the common node of input switches Q3 and Q4 is IN3. Further, voltage regulator 800 can include three output half-bridge topologies coupled in parallel between terminals c and d of the output port. Each output half-bridge topology can include two output switches coupled in series, and the common node of the two output switches is taken as an output switch node. The common node of output switches Q5 and Q6 is output switch node OUT1, the common node of output switches Q7 and Q8 is output switch node OUT2, and the common node of output switches Q9 and Q10 is output switch node OUT3.

Also, voltage regulator 800 can include three storage capacitors C1, C2 and C3, which are coupled between one input switch node and one output switch node. The first terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and the second terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to one output switch node. That is, each input switch node is coupled to a different storage capacitor, and each output switch node is coupled to at least one storage capacitor, such that each path from the input port to the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. In this example, storage capacitor C1 is coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, storage capacitor C2 is coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT2, and storage capacitor C3 is coupled between input switch node IN3 and output switch node OUT3.

It should be understood that, in this example, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is 3, but it can also be 2, and accordingly the second terminal of storage capacitor C3 can be coupled to output switch node OUT1 together with the second terminal of storage capacitor C1. Moreover, the switching states of input switches Q1-Q4 and output switches Q5-Q10 are controlled to be switched, in order to control the charging and discharging states of storage capacitors C1, C2, and C3, such that the ratio of input voltage V_(in) to output voltage V_(out) is 3. In some embodiments, voltage regulator 600 may further include output capacitors C_(out) coupled between terminals c and d of the output port.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, shown is a waveform diagram of control signals for the seventh example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this example control mode, among the four input switches coupled in series, the switching states of the odd-numbered input switches Q1 and Q3 and the switching states of high-side output switches Q5, Q8, and Q9 of the output half-bridge topology are identical, and the switching states of the even-numbered input switches Q2 and Q4 and the switching states of low-side output switches Q6, Q7, and Q10 of the output half-bridge topology are identical.

In this example, the switching states of input switches Q1 and Q3 are controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of high-side output switches Q5, Q8, and Q9 are controlled by control signal GH′. The switching states of input switches Q2 and Q4 are controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of low-side output switches Q6, Q7 and Q10 are controlled by control signal GL′. In some embodiments, control signals GH and GL are complementary, and similarly, control signals GH′ and GL′ are complementary within one switching period. For example, the duty cycle of control signal GH may be 50%, 40%, or other suitable values. In one switching period, the operation process of voltage regulator 500 can include two operation states.

Referring now to FIG. 8C, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the seventh example voltage regulator in the first operation state in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the first operation state, input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned on and high-side output switches Q5, Q8, and Q9 are turned on. Accordingly, input switches Q2 and Q4 are turned off, and low-side output switches Q6, Q7, and Q10 are turned off. Input voltage V_(in) provides energy to charge storage capacitor C1, and also may provide energy to the load through output switch Q5. Storage capacitor C2 discharges to charge storage capacitor C3 through input switch Q3, and also may provide energy to the load through output switch Q9.

In this equivalent circuit, the first current path is: positive terminal a of the input port—input switch Q1—storage capacitor C1—output switch Q5—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. The second current path is: storage capacitor C2—input switch Q3—storage capacitor C3—output switch Q9—positive terminal c of the output port—negative terminal d of the output port. For example, providing that the current flowing from positive terminal c of the output port to negative terminal d of the output port is 4/3, the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 through input switch Q1 is 2/3, the output current flowing from positive terminal a of the input port is 2/3. The charge current flowing through storage capacitor C3 through input switch Q3 is 2/3, and the current flowing into negative terminal b of the input port is 2/3. Therefore, in the first operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(C2) −V _(C3) =V _(out)  (24) V _(in) −V _(C1) =V _(out)  (25)

Here, V_(CN1) is the voltage across input capacitor Cm, V_(CN2) is the voltage across input capacitor C_(N2), and V_(CN3) is the voltage across input capacitor CN3.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, shown is an equivalent circuit diagram of the seventh example voltage regulator in the second operation state, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the second operation state, input switches Q1 and Q3 are turned off, and high-side output switches Q5, Q8, and Q9 are turned off. Accordingly, input switches Q2 and Q4 are turned on, and low-side output switches Q6, Q7, and Q10 are turned on. Storage capacitor C1 discharges energy to storage capacitor C2 through input switch Q2. Storage capacitor C3 discharges with two terminals coupled to the ground terminal respectively through input switch Q4 and output switch Q10. That is, the voltage across storage capacitor C3 is zero.

For example, providing that the current flowing through the output port is 2/3, the discharge current flowing through storage capacitor C1 is 2/3, and the charge current flowing through storage capacitor C2 is 2/3. Therefore, in the second operation state, it can be obtained according to Kirchhoff's law of voltage that: V _(C3)=0  (26) V _(C1) −V _(C2) =V _(out)  (27)

When the voltage regulator is switched between the first and second operation states at a higher frequency, the voltages across the capacitors do not suddenly change between different states, such that each parameter in the first operation state is basically equal to the corresponding parameter in the second operation state. Therefore, combining the above formulas (24)-(27), it can be derived that: V _(out) =V _(C2) =V _(C1)/2=V _(in)/3  (28)

Therefore, output voltage V_(out) is stepped down by the voltage regulator according to the embodiments, and the value of output voltage V_(out) is 1/3 of input voltage V_(in). In the description of the operation process described above, the switching states of the high-side input switch and the low-side input switch of each input half-bridge topology are controlled to be complementary. That is, the states of control signals GH and GL are complementary. It can be understood that the switching states of the high-side input switch and the low-side input switch of the input half-bridge topology can also be non-complementary. For example, the duty ratio of control signal GH for the high-side input switch is 40%, and the duty ratio of control signal GL for the low-side input switch is 40%, and the phase difference between the two is controlled to be 180°. In some embodiments, when the duty ratio is less than 50%, the phase difference between control signals GH and GL can also be greater than 180°.

In the above embodiments, N is 2 and 3, respectively, but other values of N can be supported in certain embodiments. For the embodiments where N is greater than 3, the circuit topology and operation process can be derived. When the number of the input switches is N+1, N input switch nodes can be formed in turn. At least one first-type output half-bridge topology and at least one second-type output half-bridge topology are coupled in parallel between two terminals of the output port. In the first-type output half-bridge topology, one high-side output switch and one low-side output switch are sequentially coupled in series between terminal c and terminal d. In the second-type output half-bridge topology, one low-side output switch and one high-side output switch are sequentially coupled in series between terminal c and terminal d. In each output half-bridge topology, the common node of the two output switches is taken as an output switch node. The input voltage and the output voltage have a common ground potential. The voltage regulator also includes N storage capacitors. The first terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and the second terminal of each storage capacitor is coupled to one output switch node. The switching states of the input switches and the output switches are controlled to be switched so as to control the charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, such that the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is N, where N is a natural number not less than 2.

Further, the first terminal of the Mth storage capacitor is coupled to the Mth input switch node, where M is not more than N. The second terminals of two adjacent storage capacitors are coupled to different types of the output half-bridge topology. When N is an odd number, the output half-bridge topologies coupled to the second terminals of the odd-numbered storage capacitors are of the same type with the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the Nth storage capacitor. The output half-bridge topologies coupled to the second terminals of the even-numbered storage capacitors are of different types with the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the Nth storage capacitor.

When N is an even number, the output half-bridge topologies coupled to the second terminals of the odd-numbered storage capacitors are of different types with the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the Nth storage capacitor. The output half-bridge topologies coupled to the second terminals of the even-numbered storage capacitors are of the same type with the output half-bridge topology coupled the second terminal of the Nth storage capacitor. According to the voltage regulator in the embodiments, the storage capacitor is coupled between the input switches and the output switches. By switching the switching states of the input switches and the output switches, the charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors can be correspondingly changed, and the output voltage with a certain step-down ratio can be obtained. As a result, a higher step-down ratio can be achieved with a smaller volume.

The above sixth and seventh examples describe that the voltage regulator only includes one group of input switches. It should be understood that there can be a plurality of groups of input switches connected between terminals a and b. Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is a circuit diagram of an eighth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, two groups of input switches can be connected in parallel between terminals a and b, and each of which has three input switches.

As shown in FIG. 9, voltage regulator 900 can include first and second group of input switches. The first group of input switches can include input switches Q1, Q2, and Q3. The common node of input switches Q1 and Q2 may be taken as input switch node IN1, and the common node of input switches Q2 and Q3 may be taken as input switch node IN2. The second group of input switches can include input switches Q1′, Q2′, and Q3′. The common node of input switches Q1′ and Q2′ may be taken as input switch node IN1′, and the common node of input switches Q2′ and Q3′ may be taken as input switch node IN2′. Voltage regulator 900 can include two output half-bridge topologies, which is substantially the same as the sixth example in FIG. 7A. In this example, high-side input switches in each group can include the first input switch connected to the positive terminal of the input voltage and the input switches having the same control signal with the first input switch; and low-side input switches in each group can include the input switches having a different control signal with the first input switch.

In this example, the switching states of the input switches in each group may correspondingly be the same. The switching states of input switches Q1 and Q3 can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of input switches Q2 can be controlled by control signal GL. Thus, the switching states of input switches Q1′ and Q3′ can be controlled by control signal GH, and the switching states of input switches Q2′ can be controlled by control signal GL.

Also, voltage regulator 900 can include four storage capacitors, where a first terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to a corresponding different input switch node, and a second terminal of each storage capacitor can be coupled to one output switch node. For example, storage capacitor C1 can be coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2 can be coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT2. Also, storage capacitor C1′ can be coupled between input switch node IN1′ and output switch node OUT1, and storage capacitor C2′ can be coupled between input switch node IN2′ and output switch node OUT2, such that each path from the input port to the output port can include at least one storage capacitor. The switching states of the two input switches that are coupled to the first terminal of a corresponding storage capacitor may correspondingly be the same with the switching states of the two output switches in the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the same corresponding storage capacitor. Each group of input switches may be independent in each operation state, and the operation states may be substantially the same as the above-mentioned operation states. Also, it can be understood that, there can be two first-type output half-bridge topologies and two second-type output half-bridge topologies. In this example, each storage capacitor may also be coupled in series with an inductor, in order to smooth the ripple of charging and discharging currents of the storage capacitor.

In order to reduce the input ripple, the plurality of groups of input switches can be interleaved in parallel, thereby reducing the input capacitance. Referring now to FIG. 10, shown is a circuit diagram of a ninth example voltage regulator, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, two groups of input switches can be connected in parallel between terminals a and b, each of which has three input switches.

The difference between the eighth and ninth examples is that the switching states of input switches Q1′ and Q3′ can be controlled by control signal GL, and the switching states of input switches Q2′ can be controlled by control signal GH. That is, the control signals for the high-side input switches in the first and second groups may have a phase difference of 180°. Also, in voltage regulator 1000, storage capacitor C1 can be coupled between input switch node IN1 and output switch node OUT1, storage capacitor C2 can be coupled between input switch node IN2 and output switch node OUT2, storage capacitor C1′ can be coupled between input switch node IN1′ and output switch node OUT2, and storage capacitor C2′ can be coupled between input switch node IN2′ and output switch node OUT1. That is, the switching states of the two input switches that are coupled to the first terminal of a corresponding storage capacitor may correspondingly be the same with the switching states of the two output switches in the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the same corresponding storage capacitor. In this example, the output half-bridge circuits can be multiplexed and do not need to add extra output half-bridge circuits.

Each group of input switches can be independent in each operation state, and the operation states may be substantially the same as the above-mentioned operation states. In this example, each storage capacitor may also be coupled in series with an inductor, in order to smooth the ripple of charging and discharging current of the storage capacitor. It should be understood that more groups of input switches can also be derived from the above. When there are K groups of input switches, and the number of the input switches in each group is configured as N+1, every two adjacent input switches may form one input half-bridge topology, thereby forming N input switch nodes in each group of input switches, and the voltage regulator further can include K×N storage capacitors having first terminals respectively coupled to different input switch nodes, where K and N are positive integers not less than 2. When the switching states of the input switches in each group of input switches are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies may not be less than 2, and the output half-bridge topologies can include at least one first-type output half-bridge topology and at least one second-type output half-bridge topology, and each of the output switch nodes may be coupled to at least one storage capacitor.

When high-side input switches in L groups of input switches are controlled by a first control signal, and high-side input switches in (K-L) groups of input switches are controlled by a second control signal, where the first and second control signal have a phase difference of 180°, and L is less than K, the number of the output half-bridge topology may not be less than 2. Also, the output half-bridge topologies can include at least one first-type output half-bridge topology and at least one second-type output half-bridge topology, and each of the output switch nodes may be coupled to at least one storage capacitor.

When the switching states of the input switches in L groups are respectively different and the switching states of the input switches in (K−L) groups are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topology may at least configured as 2×(L+1), where L is less than K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor. For example, the high-side input switches in the L groups of input switches can respectively be controlled to be turned on with a phase difference of 360°/(L+1).

When the switching states of the input switches in K groups are respectively different, the number of the output half-bridge topologies may be at least configured as 2K, and each of the output switch nodes can be coupled to at least one storage capacitor. For example, high-side input switches in each group may respectively be controlled to be turned on with a phase difference of 360°/K.

In particular embodiments, the voltage regulator has simpler circuit topology, high power density and simpler working process, and is easier to be controlled. Also, the power supply process to the load is continuous, and the output voltage fluctuation is small. At the same time, the input port and the output port have a common ground potential (e.g., the ground terminals of the input side circuit and the output side circuit are the same), such that the isolation between the input side and the output side is not required, thereby further simplifying the circuit topology of the voltage regulator. In addition, the storage capacitors are coupled between the input side circuit and the output side circuit of the voltage regulator, such that there is no direct loop between the input port and the output port, thereby ensuring that when the input switches and/or the output switches are damaged, such as short circuit, the storage capacitors always exist between the input port and the output port, preventing the direct connection between the load at the output port and the input voltage, protecting the load, and obtaining good reliability.

It can be understood that the capacitance values of the storage capacitors can be the same or different, and the capacitance values of the input capacitors can also be the same or different. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with modifications as are suited to particular use(s) contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A voltage regulator, comprising: a) an input port with two terminals, and being configured to receive an input voltage; b) an output port with two terminals, and being configured to generate an output voltage, wherein the input port and the output port have a common ground potential; c) at least one group of input switches coupled in series between the two terminals of the input port, wherein a common node of every two adjacent input switches in each group that form an input half-bridge topology is taken as an input switch node; d) at least one output half-bridge topology coupled between two terminals of the output port, wherein a common node of a high-side output switch and a low-side output switch in each output half-bridge topology is taken as an output switch node; and e) a plurality of storage capacitors, wherein each of the storage capacitors is coupled between one input switch node and one output switch node, such that each path from the input port to the output port comprises at least one storage capacitor.
 2. The voltage regulator of claim 1, further comprising an output capacitor coupled between the two terminals of the output port to filter the output voltage.
 3. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein the switching states of the two input switches that are coupled to the first terminal of a corresponding storage capacitor are correspondingly the same with the switching states of the two output switches in the output half-bridge topology coupled to the second terminal of the same corresponding storage capacitor.
 4. The voltage regulator of claim 3, wherein the switching states of the high-side output switches and the low-side output switches are complementary.
 5. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein duty cycles of the high-side output switches and the low-side output switches are the same, and there is a conduction phase difference between the high-side output switch and the low-side output switch in each output half-bridge topology.
 6. The voltage regulator of claim 5, wherein the conduction phase difference between the high-side output switch and the low-side output switch is 180° .
 7. The voltage regulator of claim 3, wherein when there are K groups of input switches, and the number of the input switches in each group is configured as 2N, N input half-bridge topologies are formed, and each common node of two input switches in each input half-bridge topology is taken as the input switch node, and the voltage regulator further comprises K×N input capacitors, each of which is coupled to two terminals of a corresponding input half-bridge topology, and the voltage regulator further comprises K×N storage capacitors having first terminals respectively coupled to different input switch nodes, wherein K and N are positive integers not less than
 2. 8. The voltage regulator of claim 7, wherein when the switching states of the input switches in each group are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is configured as at least one, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor.
 9. The voltage regulator of claim 8, wherein the high-side output switches are coupled to a positive terminal of the output port, and the low-side output switches are coupled to a negative terminal of the output port.
 10. The voltage regulator of claim 7, wherein when the switching states of the input switches in L groups are respectively different and the switching states of the input switches in (K−L) groups are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is configured as at least (L+1), wherein L is less than K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor.
 11. The voltage regulator of claim 7, wherein when the switching states of the input switches in K groups are respectively different, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is configured as at least K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor.
 12. The voltage regulator of claim 3, wherein when there are K groups of input switches, and the number of the input switches in each group is configured as N+1, every two adjacent input switches form one input half-bridge topology, thereby forming N input switch nodes in each group of input switches, and the voltage regulator further comprises K×N storage capacitors having first terminals respectively coupled to different input switch nodes, wherein K and N are natural numbers not less than
 2. 13. The voltage regulator of claim 12, wherein the number of the output half-bridge topology is not less than 2, and the output half-bridge topologies comprise at least one first-type output half-bridge topology and at least one second-type output half-bridge topology, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor, wherein the high-side output switch of the first-type output half-bridge topology is coupled to a positive terminal of the output port, and the low-side output switch of the second-type output half-bridge topology is coupled to a positive terminal of the output port.
 14. The voltage regulator of claim 13, wherein the switching states of the input switches in each group are correspondingly the same.
 15. The voltage regulator of claim 13, wherein high-side input switches in L groups are controlled by a first control signal, and high-side input switches in (K−L) groups are controlled by a second control signal, wherein the first and second control signal have a phase difference of 180° , and L is less than K.
 16. The voltage regulator of claim 12, wherein when the switching states of the input switches in L groups are respectively different and the switching states of the input switches in (K−L) groups are correspondingly the same, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is configured as at least 2×(L+1), wherein L is less than K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor.
 17. The voltage regulator of claim 12, wherein when the switching states of the input switches in K groups are respectively different, the number of the output half-bridge topologies is configured as at least 2K, and each of the output switch nodes is coupled to at least one storage capacitor.
 18. The voltage regulator of claim 17, wherein high-side input switches in each group are respectively controlled to be turned on with a phase difference of 360° /K.
 19. The voltage regulator of claim 1, wherein each storage capacitor is further coupled in series with an inductor.
 20. The voltage regulator of claim 7, wherein the switching states of the input switches and the output switches are controlled to be switched to control charging and discharging states of the storage capacitors, such that a ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is N. 